Charlesville

Belgium has a long history in the production of cane sugar. It was the Crusaders who, during their journeys in the 11th century, were the first to come into contact with the sugar cane plant (Saccharum officinarum). From the 14th century, sugar cane was transported to Belgium. Antwerp was the main port (cf. the Suikerrui in Antwerp) and at one point the city had more than 15 sugar factories. Antwerp remained the world's leading sugar-producing centre until the end of the 17th century.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Belgian Congo had many sugar cane plantations. Sugar cane was brought from Congo to Belgium, where it was processed into cane sugar and the by-product molasses, such as in the sugar factory of Moerbeke. One of the villages in Belgian Congo even got the name Moerbeke.

Rum was invented around 1650 in Western Europe when it was discovered that the by-product molasses could be fermented. Rum was for a long time the favourite drink of sailors and soldiers; water was often contaminated and the beer of old quickly turned sour during long journeys. It was believed that rum could cure many ailments and pains. Today, rum is mainly produced in countries where sugar cane is grown.